Plant growth system with collapsible rib structure

ABSTRACT

A living plant growth system (10) for controlled growth of plants under ambient conditions which may differ substantially from ideal, including one or more a plant growth assemblies (240), having a substrate bag (252), a rooting substrate (100) for supporting a growing plant (12), plant receiving zones for receiving viable growing plant material (12). A collapsible foliage bag (244) is provided to mate with the substrate bag (252) such that the stem portals (104) provide access to the interior of the foliage bag (244). The foliage bag (244) is inflatable such that the interior thereof provides an interior volume within which foliage of the plants (12) may grow. The foliage bag (244) has an enclosing material and a plurality of flexible support members (242) such that the foliage bag (244) maintains said interior volume when the interior air pressure is less than external air pressure. The growth system (10) also includes a nutrient bag (260) and sensing probes (262) which can cooperate with a control circuit (150) to optimize levels of nutrients delivered to the plant (12) through all stages of growth. 
     The growth system (10) also utilizes a pellet (184) of dry powered polymer which cooperates with a thinner plastic portion (266) surrounding the stem portals (104) to provide a water and air tight seal (264) between the foliage bag (244) and the substrate bag (252) throughout all stages of plant growth and development, thus allowing gray water to be used for root irrigation.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to systems for growing plants undercontrolled conditions, and more particularly to a photosynthetic growingsystem and an incorporated plant growth bag which are adapted to beutilized in gravity and orientation independent circumstances,particularly such as in space installations.

BACKGROUND ART

The human species began its ascent to becoming the dominant species onthe surface of the earth in large part due to its development ofagricultural technique. The ability to grow plants under controlledconditions and to domesticate animals allowed groups of humans to remainin a particular location for extended periods of time and to generategreater amounts of food than were necessary for immediate consumption.

A necessity for producing food under controlled conditions, particularlyunder adverse conditions, has remained a priority of the species sinceprehistoric times. Artificial growing environments, ranging from thosefound in ordinary greenhouses to those found in restricted circumstancessuch as caves, submarines and the like are utilized and are desirablefor a variety of reasons. One of the primary reasons for controlledsitus agriculture is to produce food for those who are cut off fromordinary sources of fresh produce. This is particularly important in theconsideration of long term space voyages and permanent stations, inwhich the difficulties of transporting fresh produce to the inhabitantswill be extremely high.

An important byproduct of the use of photosynthetic plants in a closedenvironment is that the plants recycle carbon dioxide generated in thebreathing process of mammals, such as humans, and produce oxygentherefrom. For this purpose, as well, it is of significant importancefor methods to be developed for efficiently growing photosyntheticplants in oxygen deprived circumstances.

A variety of prior art methods have attempted to grow plants ofdifferent types under controlled conditions. These have included anumber of developments in the field of hydroponics and a large varietyof efforts relating to the growth of algae and plankton. Some of thesemethods have been reflected in specific structures to be utilized forefficient growth of plants under limited and adverse conditions. Onesuch is found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,932,158, issued to D. Roberts. Thishydroponics structure facilitates a flow process growth system which ishighly mechanized. Further, U.S. Pat. No. 4,780,989, issued to S. Mears,et al., demonstrates a further hydroponics system. A system whichutilizes a gravity feed, and thus would be limited for gravityindependent conditions such as might be present on a space station, isshown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,756,120, issued to J. Arledge. Each of thesestructures represents an advance in the art, but none solve all of theproblems which are expected to be encountered in the limited space,recycled environment, growing conditions of the space station and thelike.

One structure which has been developed specifically for utilization ingravity independent systems is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 3,882,634,issued to R. Dedolph. This structure utilizes a rotary method withmultiple growing locations on each of a variety of vanes. The radiallyspaced vanes are rotated on a central structure and are provided withnutrient infusion by a controlled system. It is particularly noted thatthe Dedolph patent provides a detailed discussion of the mathematics andphysics involved in the growth of plants under gravity independentconditions.

Plants which are grown under controlled conditions in environmentalisolation are subject to limitation in receiving adequate supplies offour primary growth requirements. For most plants, and particularly forthe "salad" type of plants, which are particularly desirable forconsumption by humans under confined conditions, these requirementsinclude light (electromagnetic radiation in the appropriate wavelengthsfor providing photosynthesis); carbon dioxide (ordinarily availablethrough the ambient air); water and growth support nutrients. Beyondthis, the plants must also have sufficient room to grow in a naturalfashion and must have physical support.

One particular area in which a variety of techniques have been utilizedis in the provision of light. It is well known among greenhouseoperators that, for example, plant growth stimulation may be achieved bymodifying the nature and duration of light which is provided to theplants. Further, the intensity and concentration of the electromagneticenergy is also important in achieving proper growth. For example, it hasbeen found that direct radiation can be much less efficient in achievingsignificant and even growth in a wide variety of plants than is diffuseradiation.

One example of a patent on a structure which utilizes reflectivetechniques in order to provide the desired degree of electromagneticradiation to a particular growing environment is shown and described inU.S. Pat. No. 5,095,414, issued to R. Tinus. This patent illustrates amethod in which a parabolic reflector is utilized to sweep over an arrayof plants and to provide the necessary degree of illumination.

Despite many advances in the art and substantial efforts in a number ofcountries, there remains a great deal of room for improvement inproviding methods for growing plants under confined and adverseconditions. In particular, the development of handy, energy efficient,space efficient and lightweight growing structures for use in the spaceprogram is particularly desirable. Since nothing has filled all of therequirements, to date, there remains substantial room in the field fornew and innovative structures and techniques.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide aphotosynthetic growing system for plants which may be self contained.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a growingsystem which may simultaneously support a variety of plants at differentstages of growth.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a growingsystem which is operationally independent of gravity requirements.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a growingsystem which requires a minimal amount of manual attention during thegrowth cycle of the desired plant.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide diffuseelectromagnetic radiation to the plants and to cause the plants to growin a natural shape.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a growingsystem which may be readily customized to the needs of the particularvariety of plants involved, so that the same system may be utilized fora wide variety of potential produce.

The present invention is a gravity independent photosynthetic growingsystem which is adapted to provide optimal growth condition to a varietyof small photosynthetic plants under controlled conditions. The systemis adapted to be utilized in adverse circumstances such as in isolatedvehicles, including submarines and space vehicles. It is adapted to beessentially self-contained, with a possible exception of a power source,in order to provide all of the needs of the growing plants during theentire life cycle. The system is adapted to include a plurality ofindependent plant growth bags, each of which will contain a plurality ofindividual plants which may be supported under controlled conditions.

Briefly, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is a gravityindependent photosynthetic growing system for controlled growth ofplants under ambient conditions which may differ substantially fromideal, including one or more plant growth assemblies having a substratebag, a rooting substrate for supporting a growing plant, and plantreceiving zones for receiving viable growing plant material. Acollapsible foliage bag is provided to mate with the substrate bag suchthat the stem portals provide access to the interior of the foliage bag.The foliage bag is inflatable such that the interior thereof provides aninterior volume within which foliage of the plants may grow. The foliagebag has an enclosing material and a plurality of flexible supportmembers such that the foliage bag maintains said interior volume whenthe interior air pressure is less than external air pressure.

The growth system also includes a nutrient bag and sensing probes whichcan cooperate with a control circuit to optimize levels of nutrientsdelivered to the plant through all stages of growth.

An advantage of the present invention is that a relatively constantdiffuse light of appropriate intensity is delivered to the plants in amanner which permits them to achieve a natural growth shape.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it is entirelyself-contained and may be utilized under environmentally adverseconditions.

A further advantage of the present invention is that it provides avariety of relatively independent growth sectors which may havedifferent timings for growth cycles and are not dependent upon eachother in a linear fashion.

A further advantage of the present invention is that the user maycontrol environmental conditions and nutrient delivery in such a manneras provide optimal conditions for a variety of plants.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it issubstantially automatic in operation, once set, and requires minimalattention from the time of planting until the time of harvest.

A still further advantage of the present invention is that it is spaceefficient and compact and may be constructed to conform to limited spacerequirements, such as in vehicles or extraterrestrial installations.

Yet another advantage of the invention is that the physically separategrowth sectors and the isolated plant growth bags allow specificallytailored growing conditions for different plant varieties within asingle system.

Still another advantage of the present invention is that it may be madeindependent of orientation, with the systems being adapted to work inany gravitational orientation, including weightlessness.

A further advantage of the invention is that it is unobtrusive, in thatit may operate in a quiet manner and without an obvious impact on thesurrounding environment.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention willbecome clear to those skilled in the art upon review of the followingdescription of the best mode, the accompanying drawings and the appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a photosynthetic growing systemaccording to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the preferred photosynthetic growingsystem, taken along line 2--2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front plan view of one of the growing sectors of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a partially cut-away top view of the rotating base plateportion of the invention, and the underlying structure;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the interior of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a detailed cross sectional view of a growth sector, showing aplant growing therein;

FIG. 7 is partially cut away perspective view of a seed mat;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a deluxe plant growth bag assembly; and

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view, taken along line 9--9 of FIG. 8, of ahard shell growth case;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a growth bag with flexible supportstructure;

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of an arrangement of a number ofgrowth bags with flexible support structure;

FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of an alternative arrangement of anumber of growth bags with flexible support structure; and

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a deluxe growth requirements assemblyparticularly adapted for gravity independent operation.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The best presently known mode for carrying out the present invention isa photosynthetic growing system characterized by being self containedand adapted for utilization in a variety of circumstances. Inparticular, the photosynthetic growing system is adapted to be gravityindependent in usage, so it may be adapted for utilization in nullgravity conditions, such as those present on a space station. However,the system is also equally adapted for use in normal gravity conditionsand may be utilized in circumstances where there are adverse growingconditions, in isolated locations, and/or in vehicles such assubmarines.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention is a photosyntheticgrowing system which is illustrated in a perspective view in FIG. 1, andis designated by the general reference character 10. The growing system10 is particularly adapted for use with growing plant material 12,especially leaf vegetables such as lettuce.

For the purposes of description, the growing system 10 may be consideredto be substantially radially symmetrical about a primary axis 14 withone portion of the system 10 being designated as the "top" 16 and theopposing portion being designated for convenience as the "bottom" 18. Itis understood that these designations are arbitrary since this system isadapted to be utilized in any orientation. However, the directionaldesignations are supplied for the purposes of ease of description, andwill be the typical orientations for the usage of the system undergravity.

The gravity independent photosynthetic growing system 10 may beconsidered to have a variety significant portions for descriptionpurposes. One of these portions is a central core portion 20, which is astationary cylindrical section surrounding the primary axis 14. Thecentral core 20 is circumferentially surrounded by a rotating drumcylinder 22. A stationary enclosure 24, in the form of a hollowrectangular solid in the preferred embodiment 10, surrounds the drumcylinder 22 circumferentially, as well as at the top 16 and bottom 18 ofthe system 10.

The growing system 10 may also be considered as an assemblage of avariety of specific functional assemblies (subsystems), each of whichserves a particular purpose. These include a core assembly 26, a drumassembly 28, a motive assembly 30, an enclosing assembly 32 and a growthrequirements assembly 34. Some components within the system 10 mayfunction as a part of more than one of the designated assemblies.However, it is convenient to think in terms of the assemblies inunderstanding the function of the various components.

The components of the core assembly 26 may best be understood from aconsideration of the cross sectional view of FIG. 2. In thisillustration, it may be seen that a central axial post 36 extends alongthe primary axis 14. The axial post 36 is a structural member and alsoprovides support for a series of electrical conduits 38 and fluidconduits 40. In the preferred embodiment 10, the axial post 36 alsoprovides support for a pair of axially arrayed illumination lamps 42.The illumination lamps 42 illustrated in the drawings are elongated highpressure sodium lamps, which have been found to have the best efficiencyfor plant growth for the salad types of plant material 12 which are theprimary utilization. It is desired that the illumination lamps 42 extendlongitudinally throughout a very substantial portion of the central core20 so that there is not a wide variation in the intensity ofillumination at different points along the primary axis 14.

The drum assembly 28 is illustrated in several of the drawings and isthe location in which the actual plant growth will occur. As isparticularly seen in FIG. 2, the preferred rotating drum assembly 28includes an elongated central tube member 44 which forms the interfacebetween the drum assembly 28 and the core assembly 26. The central tubemember 44 is formed of a transparent material such as Plexiglass. Thecentral tube member 44 extends longitudinally about the primary axis 14intermediate a base disk 46 and a top disk 48. The base disk 46 and thetop disk 48 each include holes in the center (surrounding the coreassembly 26) and extend radially outward from an inner edge congruentwith the central tube member 44.

The space intermediate the base disk 46 and the top disk 48 is dividedinto a plurality of growth sectors 50 by a plurality of elongated sectorplates 52. In the preferred embodiment 10, illustrated in the drawings,twelve sector plates 52 are equally radially spaced so as to divide thedrum assembly 28 into twelve of the longitudinally extending growthsectors 50. The sector plates 52 are selected to be light transmissiveand to have a discrete thickness so as to act effectively as fiber opticstructures to transmit the light created by the illumination lamps 42outward therefrom and through the outer edges. The sector plates 52 areessentially rectangular panels which are arrayed radially so that eachof the growth sectors 50 is narrower at its radially inward portions andgradually expands in width to the radially outward portions. The growthsectors 50 are outwardly open for ready access, so that there is nocircumferential exterior tube corresponding to the central tube member44 of the drum assembly 28. The structural support is provided by thecentral tube 44, the rigid base disk 46 and the top disk 48, with thesector 52 being secured therebetween.

The drum assembly 28 is adapted to be selectively rotated (on a timermechanism so that the rotation is usually continuous) about the primaryaxis 14. As is particularly shown in FIG. 4, the motive assembly 30 isutilized to rotate the drum assembly 28. The motive assembly 30 includesa gear motor 54 which drives a drive belt 56 which is connected to adrive wheel 58 which is secured to the bottom of the base disk 46. Atension wheel 60 is placed on the path of the drive belt 56 in order toprovide proper spacing and tensioning, the tension wheel 60 beingadjustable, with the adjustment in the preferred embodiment beingautomatic. The drive wheel 58 is mounted upon a bearing shaft 62 whichconnects the base disk 46 to the enclosing assembly 32 in a manner whichallows rotation about the primary axis 14.

The enclosing assembly 32 is best understood from FIGS. 1 and 2 of thedrawings. The enclosing assembly 32 provides the method by which theplants and the interior environment of the growing system 10 areisolated from the ambient environment. The enclosing assembly isinsulated to prevent unwanted heat transference in either direction.Material passage is also prevented by complete enclosure. Further, theenclosing assembly is shaped for ready positioning and securing indesired locations and to be anesthetically acceptable provide locationsfor many of the necessary components.

Immediately circumferentially surrounding all except a portion of thefront of the drum 28 is a cylindrical reflector 64. The cylindricalreflector 64 is reflective on its interior surface in such a manner thatlight from the illuminating lamps 42 is reflected back on to the plants12 from a radially exterior direction. The cylindrical reflector 64 isopen to the front to allow access to the growth sectors 50 formanipulation of the contents. The cylindrical reflector 64 extends aboutthe entire height of the growth sectors 50 and is adapted to providerelatively even illumination to the interior of the growth sectors 50whenever the illumination lamps 42 are activated. The cylindricalreflector 64 further prevents light from reaching other portions of thesystem 10, so that the comers of the enclosing assembly are "dark".

The enclosing assembly 32 further includes a left side wall 66, a rightside wall 68, a rear wall 70, a base plate 72 and a top plate 74, all ofwhich, together, form a rectangular enclosure which is completed by adoor 76. The door 76 is adapted to be held in a closed position by adoor latch 78. A vertical panel in the center portion of the door 76 isprovided with a window 80. The window 80 is selected to be "one-way"glass so that it is feasible for the observer to view the contents ofthe growing system 10 during operation, without opening the door, whilea substantial portion of the illumination is reflected back into thegrowth sector 50, so that even when a growth sector is arrayed oppositethe door 76, the photosynthetic inducing radiation is still delivered tothe plants 12.

As is shown in the illustration of FIG. 1, the enclosing assembly 32includes a floor plate 82 which separates a lower chamber 84 from theportion of the enclosure 24 wherein the rotating drum cylinder 22 isenclosed. The lower chamber 84, which is located at the bottom 18 of theenclosing assembly 32, provides a location in which a water reservoir 86and other auxiliary structures may be enclosed. One such structure whichwould ordinarily be enclosed in the lower chamber 84 would be an airconditioning unit 88, which is utilized to maintain a proper and uniformtemperature within the growing system 10.

The water reservoir 86 and the air conditioning unit 88 form componentsof the growth requirements assembly 34. The growth requirements assembly34 is a group of functionally related components which are physicallyspread throughout the growing system 10 and are adapted to provide forthe needs of the growing plant. As such, the components will ordinarilybe part of more than one of the designated assemblies, but to the extentthat they are functionally related to providing for the growthrequirements of the plants, they are described at this juncture. Others,such as the illumination lamps 42 and the fluid conduits 40, havealready been discussed.

A number of the components of the growth requirements assembly 34 aresituated at the top 16 of the growing system 10, in conjunction with, orslightly above the top plate 74. As is seen particularly in FIG. 5, thetop plate 74 is provided with a series of radially spaced input ports90. One input port 90 is provided for each growth sector 50. Similarly,a corresponding series of output ports 92 is provided in the base disk46, opposite the input ports 90 in the top disk 48. The input ports 90and output ports 92 are adapted to provide the end points of an internalflow path within the drum assembly 28. This flow path is adapted toprovide liquids and dissolved or suspended solids as well as, to alesser degree, air, to the growing plant material 12 which is containedtherein. In the orientation of the drawing of FIG. 1, and under graviticconditions, the growth materials will be caused to flow through thegrowth sectors 50 by the action of gravity, as well as by osmoticpressure. However, in a gravity independent situation, the flow ofmaterials is also urged by air pressure provided primarily a vacuum pump94 which creates a negative pressure at the output port 92, thus havinga similar effect to that of gravity.

As is shown particularly in FIGS. 3 and 6, within the preferred 10embodiment, the growing plants 12 are supported within the growthsectors 50 on a growth substrate 96. The growth substrate 96 willtypically extend from the input port 90 to the output port 92 and willbe sealed thereto. In the preferred embodiment of the growing system 10illustrated in the first six figures of the drawings, the growthsubstrate 96 includes an elongated root bag 98 which is provided with aninternal rooting medium 100 into which the roots of the plant extends.The rooting medium 100 will typically be a compressible matrix materialwhich may be impregnated with growth nutrients and will provide both ananchoring medium and a source of nutrients to the plant 12. The rootingmedium 100 will extend the entire effective length of the root bag 98.Although closely contained in the root bag 98, the rooting medium issufficiently porous, that, in use, fluid may flow therethrough undernormal conditions in much the same manner in which it would flow throughsoil. To this end, the rooting medium 100 is typically at least somewhatabsorbent so as to retain water therein for gradual usage by the rootsof the plant 12. The root bag 98 would ordinarily be secured to thecentral tube member 44, and/or portions of the sector plates 52, bysecuring ties 102 or the like, to prevent shifting during usage.

In order to permit the plant 12 to grow outward into the growth sector50, the root bag is provided with a series of stem portals 104(apertures) on the side opposite the central core 20. The stem portals104 are situated opposite the location where the roots of the plant 12are attached to the rooting medium 100. The stem portals 104, and theother components of the root bag 98, are discussed in greater detailhereinafter.

A fluid pump 106, typically associated with the water reservoir 86,delivers water from the reservoir 86, through the fluid conduit 40 andto a fluid delivery structure 108, situated above the top disk 48 so asto deliver fluids to the input port 90. The fluid delivery structure 108is attached to the fluid conduit 40 and includes a nutrient input port110, which is an optional structure in which flowable nutrients, such asfertilizer and the like, may be introduced from a nutrient reservoir 112into the fluid which is to be delivered to the plants 12.

A flow valve 114, the opening and closing of which is controlled by aflow valve relay 116, controls the flow of fluid into a delivery tube118. The delivery tube 118 terminates in a port adapter 120 which isadapted to mate effectively with the input port 90. The port adapter 120is intended to fit within the input port 90 in such a manner that fluiddelivered through the fluid delivery tube 118 flows exclusively into theroot bag 98 and is not misdirected.

For gravity independent operations, the fluid delivery tube 118 and theport adapter 120 are physically coupled with a positioner 122. Thepositioner 122 is adapted to insert the port adapter 120 into theassociated input port 90, when desired, forming at least a marginal sealtherewith to avoid spillage, and to extract the port adapter 120 fromthe associated input port 90 when the fluid delivery process iscomplete.

It is also noted that the fluid delivery tube 118 and the positioner 122are adapted to partially rotate about a pivot 124 in order to follow theassociated input port 90 as the entire drum assembly 28 rotates. Sincethe photosynthetic plant growing system 10 is adapted to operate in arelatively continuous motion, both for efficiency of motor operation andfor relative quiet, it is desirable to have the port adapter 120 matewith the input port 90 at an early stage as the particular growth sector50 rotates past the fluid delivery structure 108, and to remain ininterface throughout the range of rotation of the pivot 124. Propertiming assures this and results in the maximum amount of fluid deliveryfor each pass or rotation for the particular sector 50.

In order to aid in maintaining thermal equilibrium throughout thephotosynthetic growing system 10, a central fan 126 (shown in phantom inFIG. 5) is located on the primary axis 14 essentially at the top of thecentral core 20. The central fan 126, which is associated withdeflectors 128 which extend above the central core 20, will ordinarilybe in constant operation. The action of the central fan 126 is to drawair upward through the central core 20 and to effectively circulate theheat generated by the illumination lamps 42 throughout the entireenclosure 24. The central fan 126 pulls heated air from the central core20 through vents (not visible) formed in the top disk 48 and directs theair outward to other portions of the system, particularly the sproutingareas discussed later. Also, the air flow is directed outward bydeflectors 128 so that a desired quantity will enter the growth sectors50 and provide air flow to the plants 12 to avoid stagnation problems.

The operation of the various portions of the growth requirementsassembly 34 and the other components of the gravity independentphotosynthetic growing system 10 is provided by the control assembly 35.The primary visible component of the control assembly 35 is the controlpanel 130, which in the preferred embodiment 10 is situated at the upperright hand portion inside the door 76. The control panel 130 is adaptedto permit customized settings and special operator input so as toprovide optimal growing conditions for the types of plants 12 utilized.The control panel 130 is provided with an input keypad 132 and a display134. Various conventional electronic components, including timers 136,are also provided, typically in the form of a circuit board constructionassociated with the control panel 130.

In the preferred embodiment 10, it is intended that the control panel 30may be utilized to control a wide variety of parameters. In order toaccomplish this, a light on/off control 138 and a light intensitycontrol 140 are provided in order to control the status and illuminationintensity of the illumination lamps 42. Further, a rotation control 142is provided to adjust the speed of the gear motor 54, and thus therotational rate of the rotating drum cylinder 22. A rotational interrupt144 is also provided for those circumstances in which the user wishes tohalt the rotation of the drum cylinder 22, such as when it is desired toplant new growing plant material 12 or to harvest. The rotation control142 may also be adapted to be manually operated by the user in order tocycle through the sectors 50 in a rapid manner or to cycle to aparticular growth sector 50, when desired.

A thermal control 146 is utilized to operate the air conditioner unit88, including both heating and cooling capabilities, to maintain adesired, operator selected, internal temperature, assisted by one ormore thermal sensors 148 situated within the stationary enclosure 24.The thermal control 146 may be adjusted to the user's desire, such as inorder to provide a variable temperature pattern to simulate earthgrowing conditions, or the like. It may also be adjusted to the optimumtemperature for the particular plants 12 which are being utilized.

One of the more complex component subassemblies of the control assembly35 relates to the delivery of fluid and nutrients to the plants 12. Forthis purpose, a fluid control component 150 is provided with anassociated nutrient control 152 in the preferred embodiment. The primaryoperation of the fluid control component 150 is to operate the fluidpump 106 and the fluid delivery structure 108 to deliver timed, and/orfeedback-controlled, fluids through the port adapter 120 into the growthsubstrate 96. The nutrient control 152 is adapted to operate thenutrient input 110 to deliver a predetermined nutrient input into thefluid flow.

Referring now also to FIG. 13. In the preferred embodiment 10, (a moredetailed alternate structure is discussed hereinafter) the fluid control150 operates by a feedback mechanism in which a plurality of saturationsensors 154, associated with each of the growth sectors 50, provide anelectrical analog which corresponds to the degree of fluid saturation inthe rooting medium 100. The degree of fluid delivery to each of thegrowth sectors 50 may be individually set and modified by the user tocorrespond to the degree of "wetness" which is desired in the rootingmedium 100 in order to allow for optimal growth of the particular plantmaterial 12 which is contained in that growth sector 50. Further, in theevent of an empty sector 50, or the like, the fluid delivery mechanismsassociated with that sector may be entirely disabled by appropriatesetting of the fluid control 150.

The saturation sensors 154 are utilized to sense the moisture contentlevel within the rooting medium 100, by measuring the electrical flowthrough the path between an upper sensor 156 and a lower sensor 158 ineach sector 50. The saturation sensors 154 are in the form of electricalprobes which are placed within the rooting medium 100. The electricalsignals from the saturation sensors 154 are then delivered to the fluidcontrol unit for analysis and adjustment of the amount of fluid which isto be delivered to that particular sector. Electrical delivery, on a persector basis, may be accomplished in a variety of ways. However, in thepreferred embodiment a contact pad is associated with each of the probesand a contact brush, which is stationary and will contact the associatedcontact pad, only when the sector 50 is in the proper position, isutilized to close the circuit and return the signal to the fluid control150.

One logical placement of the contact brushes is to have the contactbrushes contact the associated contact pads 160 of the saturationsensors 154 in the sector 50 which is next due to come into the range ofthe fluid delivery structure 108. In this manner, the fluid control 150may measure the degree of saturation within the sector 50 which willnext appear, and may adjust the duration of delivery of fluid throughthe associated input port 90. Other schemes may also be utilized toaccomplish the same sort of approach, as discussed with respect to FIG.13. Typically, it is desired to provide a fixed time application offluid through the input port 90 for each rotation, with one or morerotations being skipped when the saturation is sufficient for the needsof the plants.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the detailed structure of the manner in whichthe growing plant materials 12 fit within one of the growth sectors 50is illustrated. As it may be seen, the growing plant material 12, inthis case a leafy vegetable, includes roots 164, one or more stems 166,and an amount of foliage 168. In the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention 10, the roots 164 will be contained within the root bag 98 andwill grow within the rooting medium 100. The stems 166 will exit theroot bag into the remainder of the growth sector 50 through the stemportal 104. As is shown particularly in FIG. 3, the root bag 98 has aplurality of vertically spaced stem portals 104 so that several plantsmay be grown within the same sector 50.

An optional additional component which is illustrated in FIG. 6 is aninflated foliage bag 170 which may be utilized to enclose the foliage168 completely so as to avoid contamination. In this instance, if theinput port 90 and the output port 92 are generally sealed, except whenmaterial transference is occurring, the growing plant material 12 may becompleted isolated from the ambient atmosphere and thus prevented fromcontamination. In order to facilitate the utility of such a structure,the foliage bag 170 is provided with a closure strip 172 (similar tothose found on reclosable food bags). The closure strip 172 allows theuser to open the foliage bag 170 and manipulate or harvest the foliage168 and then to reseal the bag, if desired. The closure strip 172 isoptional since it may be that the various plants within a single foliagebag 170 will all be harvested at the same time, in which case the bagmay be destructively opened.

The corners of the enclosure 24, about the reflector 64, may also beutilized. These areas provide locations for elements such as thenutrient reservoir 112 and various conduits.

In addition, it is useful to reserve portions of the enclosure 24 fordark zones 174 which are unlighted but are accessible and which can beused for production of sprouts such as bean sprouts, alfalfa sprouts orlight averse foodstuffs such as mushrooms. These dark zones 174 wouldtypically be located in the front corners of the enclosure 24, asillustrated in FIG. 1 particularly, and they are adapted to receivesprout trays and the like for growth of the particular plant materialwhich is desired.

FIG. 7 illustrates, in a cut-away view, a type of seed mat 178 which maybe used in conjunction with the photosynthetic growing system 10. Theseed mat 178 is utilized for storing seeds until ready for activationand then providing the medium for germinating and growing the plant in amanner which is useful with respect to the growing system 10. The seedmat 178 is very similar to the root bag 98 described above in that it isin a form of a plastic bag having a compressed growth substrate 96enclosed therein. The seed mat 178 will be mounted within one of thegrowth sectors 50 when desired and will be connected to the fluiddelivery structure 108.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, a portion of this seed mat 178 is adapted tosupport a seed 180 which is enclosed in a seed cavity 182. The seed 180will be encapsulated in a pellet of absorbent polymer material 184 suchthat it essentially fills the seed cavity 182. It is noted that the seedcavity 182 is situated adjacent to the surface of the seed mat 178 andthat a stem portal 104 is created by the insertion of the polymer pellet184, including the seed 180 into the seed mat 178.

The characteristics of the polymer pellet 184 are such that when wateris provided to the seed, the polymer pellet 184 will expand and form anaffective seal. The polymer pellet 184 also maintains the water in closeassociation with the seed 180 such that proper germination and earlygrowth stages occur. The fluid is provided into the seed mat 178 by afluid distribution tube 186 associated with the seed mat 178 andconnected to the fluid deliver structure 108. During storage, as shownin FIG. 7, the fluid distribution tube 186 is compressed and folded suchthat the seed mat 178 may be stored in an efficient manner.

When water is delivered to the compressed growing medium 96 within theseed mat 178, the growing medium 96 will began to expand and the seed180 will begin to germinate. The seed mat 178 will "inflate" and theseed 180 will germinate such that a germinated sprout will extend out ofthe polymer pellet 184 (now in the form of a gel) through the stemportal 104 due to phototropism. The expansion of the polymer gel 184 andof the sprout will create an effective seal at the stem portal 104 andwill prevent fluid leakage from the root zone into the growth bag whichis associated therewith.

Although the gravity independent photosynthetic growing system 10 of thepresent invention is adapted to be utilized with a variety of structuresfor supporting individual plants, a particular form of deluxe growth bagassembly 188 is illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9. The deluxe growth bagassembly 188 combines a variety of features into a single assembly inorder to provide maximum desirable growth characteristics and minimalmaintenance requirements during usage. The deluxe growth bag assembly188 includes several of the features previously discussed in a selfcontained unit.

The climate control volume in which the growing plant material 12 isallowed to grow in the deluxe growth bag assembly 188 is provided by abag enclosure 190, a majority of which is the same of the foliage bag170 discussed earlier. The bag enclosure 190 is adapted to be inflatablesuch that it may be collapse during storage but may be inflated in orderto essentially conform to the shape of one of the growth sectors 50.This variety of inflated shape provides the maximum room for the plantmaterial 12 to expand during the growth cycle while making mostefficient use of the available space. The optional "ziplock" typeclosure strip 172 is provided for harvesting and maintenance. In orderto provide for inflation, an air inlet port 192, including anreinforcing ring 194 is situated at one end of the bag assembly 188(typically at the top 16). The air inlet port 192 is typically connectedto an air supply, as discussed with respect to FIG. 13 and thereinforcing ring 194 is provided to prevent tearing of the bag enclosure190 in the vicinity of the air inlet port 192.

A fluid inlet port 196 is provided through the bag enclosure 190 anddirectly into the substrate bag 198. The substrate bag 198 selected maybe the seed mat 178 or the previously discussed root bag 98 or someother medium in which the growing plant roots are enclosed with accessfor the foliage through portals into the foliage bag 170.

In this embodiment the nutrients required by the growing plant material12 will already be present in the substrate bag 198. However, it is alsofeasible to add additional nutrients through the fluid input port 196.At the end of the substrate bag 198 opposite the inlet ports 192 and 196(usually the "bottom" 18) a filter 200 is provided to preventparticulate contamination from entering the fluid delivery system 108.The filter 200 is placed intermediate the substrate bag 198 and a commonoutlet port 202. The common outlet port 202 receives both excess fluidsand excess gaseous materials to prevent over inflation of the bagenclosure 190.

The deluxe bag enclosure 188, of FIG. 8, is particularly characterizedby its modular structure and its low maintenance design. Once it hasbeen connected to the fluid and air delivery systems it will requireessentially no maintenance from the time of the installation until theplant material 12 is ready for harvest.

FIG. 9 illustrates, in cross section, yet another embodiment of amodular growth component system which may be utilized in conjunctionwith the photosynthetic growing system 10. The particular embodimentillustrated in FIG. 9 is a hard shell growth case 204 which is adaptedto mate with and be attached to the photosynthetic growing system 10,within one of the growth sectors 50.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the hard shell growth case 204 includes acurved base plate 206 which is adapted to abut against the central tubemember 44. A plurality of boltholes 208 are provided along the length ofthe base plate 206 so that the hard shell growth case 204 may be securedto the central tube member 44 by bolts 210.

The hard shell growth case 204 further includes a pair of opposing sidewalls 212 which are adapted to abut against the sector plates 52 oneither side of the growth sector 50 in which the hard shell growth case204 is installed. An end wall 214 is also provided at each end of thegrowth case 204. In order to seal the interior of the hard shell growthcase 204, a lid plate 216 is provided to fit within the open endprovided by the side walls 212 and the end walls 214. The lid plate 216is provided with a circumferential sealing strip 218 such that aneffectively airtight seal is provided. In order to facilitate removal ofthe lid plate 216, at the time of harvest, for example, a handle 220 isprovided at some point on the exterior surface of the lid plate 216.

Air is provided into the hard shell growth case 204 through a air inlet220 formed in one of the end walls 214, usually the one situated at the"top" 16 of the system 10.

A root chamber portion 224 of the hard shell growth case 204 providesthe zone in which the roots 164 of the growing plant material 12 mayexpand. The root chamber portion 224 includes, adjacent to the baseplate 206, a permeable pad 226 which provides structural support whileallowing passage of fluid and gaseous materials therethrough. A fluidpassage 228 is situated at the interior surface of the base plate 206.The fluid passage 228 provides the manner by which fluids and nutrientsmay be supplied to the root chamber 224. The fluid passage 228 isconnected to the fluid delivery structure 108 and is controlled in thesame manner as is discussed above.

A rooting mat 230 is provided in the interior of the root chamber 224adjacent to the permeable pad 226. The rooting mat 230 includes a growthsubstrate 96 such as is discussed above.

A planter plug subassembly 232 provides the closure which separates theroot chamber 224 from the volume in which the foliage is contained. Theplanter plug assembly 232 serves multiple purposes and is adapted forutilization in embodiments other than those described herein.

FIG. 10 illustrates yet another embodiment of a modular plant growthassembly 240. The particular embodiment shown in FIG. 10 is inflatable,but has a rib structure composed of a number of ribs 242, which givesthe foliage bag 244 added structural rigidity. This rigidity eliminatesthe need to maintain a constant air pressure in order to keep thefoliage bag 244 structure from collapsing. However, this embodiment butcan easily be compressed into a compact shape for storage, unlike thehard shell growth case 204, seen in FIG. 9 above. These ribs 242 can behollow inflatable tubes or can be solid members of plastic or some othermaterial of sufficient rigidity to support the foliage bag undernegative air pressure, but flexible enough to allow the structure to becollapsed if desired. The ribs 242 in FIG. 10 create a structure with atruncated inverted triangular cross-section, which easily fits togetherwith other structures of this shape in a very space-efficientcylindrical construction. The assemblies 240 can also be placed side byside with alternate assemblies inverted so that the foliage bag 244 ofone assembly 240 abuts the root bag 252 of the next, as seen in FIG. 11.This allows a planar arrangement with a light source such asillumination lamps 42 at top and bottom to provide light for the growingplant material 12, which also has advantages in the efficient use ofspace. FIG. 12 shows another variation in the arrangement of growthassemblies 240, having illumination lamps 42 which provide light forgrowing plant material 12 in two assemblies 240 simultaneously. It willbe understood by those skilled in the art that many variations in thearrangement of growth assemblies 240 are possible. Another example wouldinclude the arrangement of assemblies in planar assemblages as seen inFIG. 11, which are then stacked in even larger assemblages which shareillumination lamps in the manner of FIG. 12. Additionally, manyvariations in cross-section of the structure, are possible, includingcircular, elliptical and polygonal shapes.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention contains ribs 242composed of hollow tubes. The assembly 240 has an air inlet 246 and anair exhaust 248, and an additional inflating air inlet 250 connected tothe ribs 242. The assembly also contains a check valve 251 to maintainpressure in the ribs. The ribs 242 allow the use of negative airpressure or a slight vacuum at the air exhaust 248 which is helpful inpreventing entrapment of fluids in pockets or corners of the foliage bag244, under micro-gravity conditions. The ribs 242 provide support whichprevents the foliage bag 244 from collapsing, as air pressure ismaintained in the ribs 242 even when negative pressure is used in thefoliage bag 244.

As in other embodiments, there is a separate root bag 252, having afirst irrigation inlet 254 and an exhaust 256. Under micro-gravityconditions, water and air are not easily separated. The irrigationsystem is pneumatic and creates a mist of air and water, irrigating theroot material with a suspension of water in air. In addition, there is asecond irrigation inlet 258 which is connected to a nutrient bag 260.The nutrient bag 260 contains tailored nutrients designed to feed aspecific crop for an entire growing season. The nutrients in the bag canbe of conventional nature such as Osmocote™, which is a solidconcentrate and is available in different formulae. Alternatively, thenutrients can be adjusted by varying the nutrient formulae and amounts,perhaps putting layers of different composition which dissolve toprovide varying levels of minerals at different stages of the plant'sdevelopment. For example, the outer surface of a nutrient pellet cancontain higher nitrates concentration for the early stages of plantgrowth, and inner layers which provide more phosphorous and potassiumfor later stages of growth.

Sensing probes 262 act to control the water supplied to the second waterinlet 258, and hence to the nutrient bag 260. Sensing probes can be madeof thin stainless steel strips which can be integrated into the root bag252. The sensing probes 262 can be used in conjunction with anelectronic detection circuit (not shown) to detect levels of nutrientions in the soil. If the detected level of nutrients is too low, asignal can be sent to a solenoid which controls water supply to thesecond water inlet 258 and thus to the nutrient bag 260. As morenutrients are supplied, the detection circuit can act to decrease watersupplied to the nutrient bag 260, until an optimum level of nutrientshas been achieved.

The sensing probes 262 can also be designed to have different surfaceareas and separation gaps between sensing probes 262 to accommodatevarious species of plants. For example, for use with heavy feedingplants, the sensing probes 262 would be chosen to have a smaller surfacearea or a wider gap. This allows a higher concentration of nutrients asrequired to trigger the detection circuit into decreasing the watersupply.

As in previous embodiments described above, a polymer pellet 184 isprovided which encapsulates a seed 180. This polymer pellet 184 ispreferably composed of dry powered polymer, which expands approximately40 times its original mass as it absorbs water and turns to a gel. Thisforms a water and air-tight seal 264 that prevents water from the rootbag 252 from entering the foliage bag 244, even when inverted in fullgravity conditions. This seal 264 allows the use of "gray" water, whichis not suitable for human consumption, in the watering of plant roots,which the plant takes up. The foliage in the foliage bag 244 thentranspires water which can be collected and used as potable water. Thus,both air and water can be purified through the process ofbioregeneration, with no additional energy input. This is only possiblebecause of the effective seal which is present between the foliage bag244 and the root bag 252. This advantage applies similarly to all theembodiments described above as well, but is particularly important inthis preferred embodiment.

As mentioned before, the ribs 242 included in the foliage bag 244provide structural support which is effective in full gravityconditions. The inventor has calculated that growing plants in acylindrical configuration as shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 6, requires only40% of the chamber space and electrical consumption for growing plantsin a conventional flat plant bed configuration. Thus there is a greatspace and resource savings to be gained which will find application interrestrial agriculture, particularly in arid zones. When a cylindricalconfiguration is used, some of the plant growth sectors 50 will beinverted, or at least turned on end. In this case, the advantage of theair and water tight seal 264 between chambers becomes even more crucialwhen bioregeneration is practiced. To reinforce the sealing effect, aportion of the plastic 266 around the stem portal 104 is made of thinnerplastic, which is opaque. As the seed 180 germinates, light penetratesthrough the polymer pellet 184 which has expanded to a transparent gel,and which now forms a seal 264, as described above. The sprouting plantpenetrates the gel seal 264 following the light through the transparentgel and out the stem portal 104, while maintaining the water and airtight seal 264. As the plant continues to grow, the thinner plasticportion 266 stretches without constricting the plant stalk. This ensuresthat the seal 264 will be maintained throughout all stages of theplant's growth and development.

The top of the foliage bag 244 has a closeable opening 270 fitted withan airtight seal 272. In the preferred embodiment, the airtight seal 272is made by inflatable ribs 242 in the form of tongue and groove members274 which press together when inflated. As will be apparent to oneskilled in the art, a number of conventional resealable fasteners can beused such as ziplock fasteners, etc. The closeable opening 270 can beopened when harvesting the plant material simply by separating thetongue from the groove by hand or possibly by deflating the ribs 242either partially or fully to release the tongue and groove connection274.

FIG. 13 illustrates, in a rough schematic fashion, a deluxe control andsupply structure which is adapted particularly for use with the deluxegrowth bag assembly 188 illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. The illustrationof FIG. 13 particularly emphasizes a deluxe growth requirement assembly340, which includes as components an air system 342, a water system 344and a nutrient system 346, with the flow of all of these materials beinghandled through a network of flow tubes 348.

Also illustrated in FIG. 13 is a deluxe control assembly 350 which isshown primarily in black box fashion and is described by function ratherthan specific structure. This is because the deluxe control assembly 350will primarily involve integrated circuitry and internal controlmechanisms which are well known in the art and can be reproduced byreference to function. The primary elements of the deluxe controlassembly 350 which are illustrated in FIG. 13 include a master controlmodule 352 which receives and transmits electric signals over a networkof control conductors 354. A series of solenoid valves 356 provides theinterface between the deluxe control assembly 350 and the deluxe growthrequirement assembly 340.

The primary components of the air system 342 are a primary air supply360 (a source of air at above-ambient pressures) and a vacuum source362, typically a vacuum pump. The air supply 360 provides positivepressure and the vacuum source 362 provides negative pressure which maybe selectively delivered to portions of the flow tubes 348 bymanipulation of the solenoid valves 356.

One portion of the air system 342 deals with the pressure differentialbetween the fluid inlet port 196 of the deluxe growth bag assembly 188,and the common outlet port 202. This utilizes a bag pressure loop 364which is adapted to sense and compensate for pressure conditionoccurring within the deluxe growth bag assembly 188. The bag pressureloop 364 includes a pressure isolator 366 and a gravity compensator 368.The gravity compensator 368 is adapted to sense the relative pressure atpoint X and to interact with the master control unit 352 to provide adetermination whether the pressure is adequate enough to maintain theproper fluid flow rate within the substrate bag 198. If an insufficientpressure differential is sensed by the gravity compensator 368, as maybe the case under zero gravity conditions, the master control unit 352will then compensate by adjusting the solenoid valve 356 designated asSV1 370 which controls the flow of air into a carburetor 372 whichprovides the interface between the air system 342 and the combinedoutput of the water system 344 and the nutrient system 346 for the totaldelivery to the fluid inlet port 196. Particularly in below or zerogravity conditions, a very slight positive pressure at the fluid inletport 196 can insure proper water and nutrient flow through the fluiddistribution tube 186 within the substrate bag 198. A second solenoidvalves 356 SV2 374 controls the delivery of air to the air inlet port192 in order to keep the bag enclosure 190 inflated to the desireddegree. For this purpose, and others, a positive pressure of air ismaintained at the air inlet port 192.

The relative positive or negative air pressure which is delivered to thesolenoid valves SV1 370 and SV2 374 is controlled by the condition oftwo additional solenoid valves 356 SV3 176 and SV4 378, which balancethe pressure by combining the relative positive or negative pressurefrom the air supply 360 and the vacuum source 362 to achieve the desiredresults.

The air and the fluid components which are introduced into the deluxegrowth bag assembly 188 at the air inlet port 192 and the fluid inletport 196 will combine to exit through the common port 202. From thecommon port 202, the mixture will be delivered to a water separator 380.This will separate the fluid component from the gaseous component andallow the gaseous component to leave the system through an air exhaust382. An additional air exhaust 382 is provided at the vacuum source 362.

The water system 344 and the nutrient system 346 are closely related andwork together to deliver a mixture water and nutrients to the growth bagassembly 188. The operation of the water system and the nutrient systemis controlled by the master control unit 352 utilizing air pressureprovided through the air system 342.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13, the water system 344 includesa water fill port 384, and a main water tank 386, which includes, in theinterior thereof, a water bladder 388.

Similarly, the nutrient system 346 includes a nutrient fill port 390, anutrient tank 392 and a nutrient bladder 394. Since the nutrient whichis to be utilized with this embodiment is in fluid form, either in theform of dissolved nutrients or suspended solids within a fluid, it willflow in accordance with fluid principles and need not be treated withsolid handling systems.

The fluid flow tubes 348 which are connected to the water bladder 388and the nutrient bladder 394 converge at a fluid junction 396. A firstflow valve 398, a second flow valve 400 and a third flow valve 402control the fluid input to the fluid junction 396, which is furtherconnected to a mixing tank 404 and more particularly to a mixturebladder 406 which is contained within the mixing tank 404. The mixingtank 404 further includes a volume sensor 408 associated with the mixingbladder 406 for sensing the volume of fluid contained within the mixingbladder 406. A concentration sensor 410, situated within the mixingbladder 406, senses the relative concentration of nutrient in waterwithin the mixing bladder 406.

A flow pattern of fluids within the water system 344 and the nutrientsystem 346 is controlled by the master control unit 352, utilizing theair system 342. In particularly, a fifth solenoid valve 356 SV5 412, anda seventh solenoid valve 356 SV7 416, a sixth solenoid valve 356 SV6414, respectively control the flow of materials within the water system344, the nutrient system 346 and the mixing tank 404. The structure andpurpose of the various components in the water and nutrient system isbest understood from an analysis of the operation.

The water tank 386 and the nutrient tank 392 are similar in structure,although unlikely to be the same size since the water requirements aresubstantially greater than the nutrient requirements in a typical growthenvironment. In each case, the associated water bladder 388 or nutrientbladder 394 is contained within the volume of associated tank and isconnected to a section of flow tubes 348 which leads to the associatedfill port 384 or 390 and to the fluid conjunction 396. Each of the tanks386 and 392 includes an exterior volume which is connected by flow tubes348 to the air system 342 and particularly to the associated solenoidvalves SV5 412 or SV6 414.

In order to fill the water bladder 388 such that a desired amount ofwater is reserve for usage, a water source is connected to the waterfill port 384. The fifth solenoid valve 412 will then be opened to thevacuum source 362 such that a negative pressure condition is createdaround the water bladder 388. This negative pressure will cause thebladder 388 to expand and draw the fluid into the bladder 388 from thewater fill port 384. When the filling process is completed, the fifthsolenoid valve 412 will be closed to permit a static condition.

A similar filling procedure applies with respect to the nutrient tank392 and the nutrient bladder 394. In this case, the negative pressurewhich allows filling from the nutrient fill port 390 is provided byopening the sixth solenoid valve 414.

When it is desired to provide a mixture of water and nutrients to thedeluxe growth bag assembly 188, the content of the water bladder 388 andthe nutrient bladder 394 are utilized and combined utilizing the mixingtank 404, particularly the mixing bladder 406. The first flow valve 398,the second flow valve 400, and the third flow valve 402 are all one waycheck valve which prohibit reverse flow of fluids therethrough. The flowvalves permit influx of fluid into the fluid junction 396 from threesources. In addition to the fresh water from the water bladder 388 andfresh nutrient solution from the nutrient bladder 394, the third flowvalve 402 also permits influx from the water separator 380. To thisextent, the system recycles the water and dissolved solids which comefrom the common outlet 202, and thus maximizes efficiency. To the extentthat any fluid is available from the water separator 380, this will bepreferentially delivered into the fluid junction 396. Therefore, thethird flow valve 402 will ordinarily be opened first when it is desiredto add additional fluid to the mixing bladder 406.

The volume of fluid within the mixing bladder 406 is sensed by thevolume sensor 408. If the volume sensor 408 sends a signal to the mastercontrol 352 to the effect that the content is insufficient in volume,then the seventh solenoid valve SV7 416 will be opened to the vacuumsource 362 such that the interior of the mixing tank 404 surrounding thebladder 406 is evacuated and fluid is drawn into the mixing bladder 406from the fluid junction 396.

The fluid which will be first drawn into the mixing bladder 406 will bein the form of the recycled fluids from the third flow valve 402. Ifadditional volume of fluid is required the second flow valve 400 will beopened to allow water from the water bladder 388 to flow into the mixingbladder 406. The concentration sensor 410, within the mixing bladder406, will send signals to the master control 352 corresponding to theconcentration of nutrients within the mixing bladder 406. If theconcentration is insufficient, the first flow valve 398 will be openedand the nutrient solution from the nutrient bladder 394 will be drawninto the mixing bladder 406.

When the proper concentration and volume of nutrient mixture has beenaccomplished within the mixing bladder 406 it is ready to be deliveredto the growth bag assembly 188 when required. The master control 352determines whether additional fluid is required in the substrate bag 198by analyzing the output of the saturation sensors 154. If the output ofthe saturation sensors 156 and 158 is such that additional water and/ornutrients are required, or if the timing sequences indicate that aninflow is desirable, then the carburetor 372 is activated to permitmixing of the nutrient fluid with the air from the gravity compensator368 for delivery to the fluid inlet port 196. Control of the varioussolenoid valves 356 insures that the proper mixture and flow pressureare achieved with respect to all of the growth requirements beingdelivered. It is noted that, although the solenoid valves 356, andparticularly the SV5 412, SV6 414 and SV7 416 units have been describedas providing negative pressure to surround the associated bladderelements, it is also possible that positive pressure may be applied inorder to help expel fluid therefrom and to deliver fluid to otherportions of the structure, such as the carburetor 372.

As described, the structure of FIG. 13 is a complex and all encompassinggrowth requirement delivery structure which is adopted to provideessentially "hands-free" operation with respect to the modular deluxegrowth bag assembly 188. It is understood that the gravity independentphotosynthetic growing system 10 may operate in a much less complexfashion and with substantially greater operator input.

As described herein, the gravity independent photosynthetic growingsystem 10 of the present invention is subject to a substantial degree ofdimensional and material modification without having an adverse effecton the performance. As stated, the height of the growth sectors 50 ispurely a matter of choice and the number of sectors may be reviseddepending on space requirements and the nature of plants which areintended to be planted therein. The construction materials need to beselected in such a manner that the structure is maintained and that thefiber optic characteristic of the sector plates 52 are maintained.However, these limitations still leave an extremely broad variety ofmaterial and dimensional choices.

In the event that a foliage bag 170 is utilized in connection with theroot bag 98 or deluxe growth bag assembly 188 is used, it is importantthat the foliage bag 170 be transparent to the photosynthetic inducingradiation. However, for many purposes it is desirable that the root bag98 or seed mat 178, itself, be opaque to provide ideal root growingconditions. Of course, constructions alternate to these, such as anenclosed pipe having a variety of stem portals 104 formed therein, willalso be useful.

Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that numerous othermodifications and alterations of the specific structure, dimensions,materials and components may be made without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention. Accordingly, the above disclosure is not tobe considered as limiting and the appended claims are to be interpretedas encompassing the entire scope of the invention.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The gravity independent photosynthetic growing system 10 according tothe present invention is adapted to be utilized in a wide variety ofcircumstances, particularly in adverse conditions in which normalagriculture is not feasible. It is especially well adapted for use invehicles and isolated circumstances, such as submarines, space stationsand underground installations. The structure is adapted to be gravityindependent so that it may be utilized in any orientation and may alsobe utilized in circumstances, such as a space station, wherein gravityis unavailable as a major force in providing material flow. On the otherhand, the system is adapted to be fully utilizable under graviticconditions, if desired.

The system 10 is adapted to require a minimum of operator interface inorder to quickly and effectively cause the growth of plants which may beusable for food stuffs and for oxygen replacement. In general, theoperator input will be in the form of planting (placement of seed mats,etc.), harvesting and adjusting the various parameters on the controlpanel 130, in order to correspond to the particular type of growingplant material 12 which is being planted in each of the growth sectors50. In many cases, these adjustments of parameters will be empiricallydetermined based on the particular type of plant, the graviticconditions and the nature of the rooting medium 100.

In order to utilize the photosynthetic growing system 10, the user willopen the door 76 and utilize the rotational interrupt 144 (which may ormay not be coupled to the door latch 78) to stop the rotation with anempty growth sector 50 situated to be aligned with the door 76. The userwill then place an elongated root bag 98 (or a deluxe growth bagassembly 188) to extend "vertically" within the sector 50 and willsecure it in place by any of a variety of means, particularly by thesecuring ties 102. As a part of installation of the root bag 98, theuser will place the saturation sensors 154 (including the upper sensor156 and the lower sensor 158) within the rooting medium 100 atlongitudinally displaced locations. The seeds or shoots of the growingplant material 12 will already be present in the root bag 98 with thestems 166 being directed toward the stem portal 104.

The root bags 98 (or similar seed mats 178 or deluxe growth bags 188)will be adapted to mate with the input portal 90 formed in the top disk48, and the output portal 92, formed in the base disk 46, and associatedwith the particular sector 50. This will allow proper interface betweenthe growing medium and the growth requirements assembly 34.

Once the growing medium 98, or 178, or 188 has been properly installedand the growth parameters have been set with the control panel 130, thesystem 10 may be operated essentially automatically until the time ofharvest. The user may make periodic checks of the progress. These checksneed not disturb the internal atmosphere since the window 80 is providedin the door and the interior illumination will usually be activated as aresult of the illumination lamps 42. Only at the time of harvest, or inthe event of some sort of necessary adjustment, will the door 76 need tobe opened.

Once the plants 12 within a particular growth medium have beencompletely harvested, the entire growth medium may be removed andreplaced. This makes for efficient modular operation, since the rootbags 98 seed mats 178 and deluxe growth bag 188 may be prepared at adifferent location and stored for actual use.

In a typical application, such as the Vulcan or Gemini variety oflettuce, the photosynthetic growing system 10 may produce a completecrop in approximately thirty-five days. Since the sectors 50 need not besimultaneously planted, a continuous supply of vegetables may beserially produced by the system with different varieties or differentsectors of the same variety becoming ripe at different times.

Further, the self-containment of the system is valuable in maximizingrecycling capability and minimizing potential contamination either to orfrom the surrounding environment. Especially when incorporating thedeluxe growth requirements assembly 340, the system will have almost noimpact on the surrounding environment except in some heat dissipationand in increased oxygen. The oxygen produced by the foliage is adistinct benefit, as well.

When a variation using a flexible rib structure 242, there is anadditional advantage that negative air pressure can be applied to theinterior of the plant foliage bag 244 without causing the entirestructure 240 to collapse. This can be beneficial in purging stagnantareas in the foliage bag in which water vapor may otherwise accumulate.The root bag 252 may also be equipped with sensor probes 262 which cancooperate with a water supply controller 150 to supply water to anutrient bag 260 in order to maintain optimum nutrient levels to theplant roots.

The root bag 252 can also be provided with a thinner plastic portion 266which stretches in response to plant growth, and which cooperates withthe pellet 184 of dry powered polymer to create a water and air tightseal 264 between the foliage bag 244 and the root bag 252. This seal 264allows gray water to be used to irrigate the plant roots while allowingwater purified through bio-regeneration to be drawn for humanconsumption from the foliage bag 244. This is a particularly efficientmethod of water purification which will find great application in waterdeprived areas of the world and in space.

Because the photosynthetic growing system 10 of the present invention iscompact, self-contained and efficient, and is adaptable for use in avariety of circumstances wherein normal plant growth techniques areineffective, it is expected that it will have significant appeal.Accordingly, it is expected that the gravity independent photosyntheticgrowing system 10, according to the present invention, will haveindustrial applicability and commercial utility which are both widespread and long lasting.

What is claimed is:
 1. A living plant growth support system forcontrolled growth of plants under ambient conditions which may differsubstantially from ideal, comprising:one or more a plant growthassemblies, each plant growth assembly comprising:a root bag having anenclosing material; a rooting substrate disposed within said root bagfor supporting a growing plant; plant receiving zones disposed withinsaid root bag in abutment with said rooting substrate, for receivingviable growing plant material in the form of seeds therein; acollapsible foliage bag provided to mate with said root bag, said rootbag having stem portals which provide access from said root bag to theinterior of the foliage bag, the foliage bag being inflatable such thatthe interior thereof provides an interior volume within which foliage ofthe plants may grow, said foliage bag having an enclosing foliage bagmaterial and a plurality of flexible support members such that saidfoliage bag maintains said interior volume when the interior airpressure is less than external air pressure; and said plant receivingzones, each include a seed cavity adjacent to one of said stem portals,each seed cavity including a seed retaining means for supporting andretaining the seed and moisture delivered thereto, so as to facilitategermination and early growth of the seed and for urging the plantemerging therefrom to grow through the stem portal, said seed retainingmeans, said seed cavity and said stem portal cooperating to form anair-tight and water-tight seal between said root bag and said interiorof said foliage bag through all stages of plant growth and development.2. A living plant growth support system as in claim 1 whereinsaidplurality of flexible support members are ribs.
 3. A living plant growthsupport system as in claim 2 whereinsaid ribs are hollow and inflatable.4. A living plant growth support system as in claim 2 whereinsaid ribsare solid and made of flexible and collapsible material.
 5. A livingplant growth support system as in claim 1 whereina cross-section of eachof said plant growth assemblies has a truncated triangular shape.
 6. Aliving plant growth support system as in claim 5 whereina plurality ofplant growth assemblies are arranged in a cylindrical configuration. 7.A living plant growth support system as in claim 5 whereina plurality ofplant growth assemblies are arranged in a planar configuration withalternate plant growth assemblies inverted with respect to each other.8. A living plant growth support system as in claim 1 whereinacross-section of each of said plant growth assemblies has across-sectional shape selected from the group consisting of circular,elliptical and polygonal shapes.
 9. A living plant growth support systemas in claim 1 whereinsaid root bag includes a nutrient bag.
 10. A livingplant growth support system as in claim 9 whereinsaid nutrient bagincludes a fertilizer pellet.
 11. A living plant growth support systemas in claim 10 whereinsaid fertilizer pellet is constructed with layersof various water soluble plant nutrients which correspond to nutrientrequirements of plants to be grown during various stages of development.12. A living plant growth support system as in claim 11 furthercomprising:a water supply which supplies water to said root bag; and awater supply controller which controls the amount of water which issupplied to said substrate bag.
 13. A living plant growth support systemas in claim 12 whereinsaid water supply controller acts to control waterflow to said fertilizer pellet at a rate such that the dissolving oflayers of various nutrients is timed to the growth of a plant so thatthe plant receives nutrients required for the appropriate stage ofdevelopment.
 14. A living plant growth support system as in claim 12further comprising:one or more sensors which detect nutrient levels andwhich cooperate with said water controller to supply water to saidnutrient bag to regulate nutrient levels in said substrate bag.
 15. Aliving plant growth support system as in claim 1 whereinsaid seedretaining means is a polymer pellet.
 16. A living plant growth supportsystem as in claim 15 whereinsaid polymer pellet is made of dry poweredpolymer.
 17. A living plant growth support system as in claim 1whereinsaid stem portal includes a thinner portion surrounding said seedcavity, which can stretch in accordance with the increased diameter of aplant stalk as it grows, without constricting plant growth, and whichaids in maintaining an air-tight and water-tight seal between said rootbag and said foliage bag through all stages of plant growth anddevelopment.
 18. A living plant growth support system as in claim 1whereinsaid foliage bag is formed with an opening for harvesting andmanipulating plant material which includes an recloseable air-tightseal.
 19. A living plant growth support system as in claim 18whereinsaid recloseable air-tight seal is in the form of inflatabletongue and groove members.